This guide addresses the practical question “How do I import a subscription into Shadowrocket?” It’s for iPhone users who already have a V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, or Shadowsocks subscription link. Follow the steps to import and update your subscription, connect, and understand how your connection relates to your IP, DNS, and browser environment—so you can quickly troubleshoot issues like websites not loading or showing the wrong region.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket usually refers to the Shadowrocket client for iOS. Before importing a subscription, make sure of three things: the client is installed, the subscription link is ready to copy, and your phone has a working network connection. Subscription links generally start with https:// and may be provided by a VPN service, a free node site, or a personal subscription panel. This site also compiles information about some free nodes. We recommend testing them for availability before use, and not relying on free nodes for a stable, long-term connection.
Note: A subscription link is not a link to a single node. It usually contains multiple nodes, which you can select from in the client after importing.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket: Step by step
- Copy your subscription link, making sure there are no extra spaces or line breaks.
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the node list on the home screen.
- Tap the “+” in the upper-right corner, then select “Subscribe” or “Subscription” as the type.
- Paste the subscription address in the URL field. You can enter a note such as “Free nodes” or “Backup subscription” to make it easier to identify.
- Tap Done or Save. Return to the list and pull down to refresh the subscription.
- Once the refresh succeeds, select a node and turn on the connection switch at the top.
- The first time you connect, iOS will prompt you to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow and enter your passcode.
If no nodes appear after importing, first check whether the link has expired, requires login authorization, or was copied in full. Some subscriptions need to be opened in a browser once to confirm they’re accessible before you return to Shadowrocket and refresh.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
Many people assume that if Shadowrocket shows “Connected,” their browser environment must be working correctly. That’s not always the case. Your IP determines the apparent location websites see for your connection. After connecting to a node, check an IP lookup site to confirm it has changed. DNS handles domain name resolution, and DNS issues can prevent websites from loading even when the connection is active. Your browser environment includes details such as language, time zone, cache, cookies, and WebRTC, which can affect account logins or how your region is detected.
After connecting, we recommend three checks: first, see whether your IP now shows the node’s region; then, open a frequently used website to test how quickly it loads; finally, visit the target site in a private browsing window to avoid interference from old cookies. If the site still shows your original region, clear your browser cache or switch Shadowrocket’s rules to global proxy mode and test again.
4. Common fixes for subscription connection issues
- Refresh fails: Try again on a different network and check whether the subscription address is still valid.
- Node times out: Switch to another node. Free nodes may be temporarily unavailable.
- Connected but websites won’t load: Try global mode or adjust your DNS settings.
- Only some apps work: Check Shadowrocket’s rule mode and temporarily switch to global mode if needed.
- Frequent disconnections: Turn off Low Power Mode and make sure the system isn’t restricting VPN access in the background.
Summary: To import a subscription into Shadowrocket, copy the subscription link, add it under Subscribe, refresh the node list, select a node, and turn on the VPN. If the connection doesn’t work as expected, don’t focus only on the node itself. Also check whether your IP has changed, DNS is working, and your browser cache and environment are clear.